Naperville and Cortland, New York, Mayors Participate in Friendly Stagg Bowl Challenge
(The following is a joint release from the City of Naperville and the City of Cortland, New York)
The excitement is building as the 2023 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl approaches, and this year the event promises to be more than just a football game. The City of Cortland Mayor’s Office, in collaboration with the City of Naperville, Illinois Mayor’s Office, is proud to announce a friendly Mayoral Challenge to foster community spirit and support for local collegiate sports teams.
To encourage engagement and solidarity, Cortland Mayor Scott Steve has invited Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli to participate in this unique challenge revolving around this Friday night’s Stagg Bowl Game in Salem, Virginia. The game pits first-time bowl participant SUNY Cortland Red Dragons against defending NCAA Division III Champions, the North Central College Cardinals.
The initiative is a friendly competition between the two cities to show support for their respective hometown teams. The losing Mayor has agreed to wear the winning team’s jersey to a City Council meeting. In contrast, the winning Mayor will be awarded unlimited bragging rights, symbolizing victory in the challenge and their city’s passion for local collegiate sports and town/gown unity.
“This Mayoral Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our communities to come together and celebrate our local sports talent,” expressed Mayor Steve.
“As a North Central College alum, I’m incredibly proud of our student-athletes,” said Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli. “Good sportsmanship and being your personal best on and off the field is part of the Cardinal culture, and this friendly competition helps us celebrate those important life lessons. That said, I can’t wait to see Mayor Steve wear a slightly different shade of red to a Cortland Council meeting.”
“We encourage everyone to show their support for our teams and join us in making this year’s Stagg Bowl an unforgettable celebration of sportsmanship and community. And I hope that Mayor Wehrli looks good in SUNY Cortland red,” added Mayor Steve.
About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.